How does a beer keg work. Are they pressurised or do you need a manual pump? And do you keep thm cool with ice

Question

How does a beer keg work. Are they pressurised or do you need a manual pump? And do you keep thm cool with ice

Answer 1

Beer is carbonated by CO2 at the brewery.  You will still need a pump or a CO2 set up to keep it pouring as the keg loses pressure with each pour.

Answer 2

You need a pump, either manual or a draught (draft) hookup. They are slightly pressurized from the carbonation but you'll have to add air to get the beer out.

To keep it cool go buy a cheap metal trashcan that's about knee high and big enough to fit the keg in easily. Put some ice in the bottom and then the keg, cover the sides with ice. Then you'll want to put some water and salt in the ice. Finally, do whatever you can to keep the whole thing insulated. Wrap it with blankets, foam insulation, sleeping bags and so forth.

Once you've added the "Tap" (pump) you simply pump air into the keg like a bicycle pump. The tap will have a hose and a nozzle to let the beer out. Don't over pump it or you'll get foam and fizz.